FAQs

Donor FAQs

Who can donate?

Anyone that has a vacation home can donate (unless local authorities or HOAs do not permit).

How much time can I donate?

No cap on the amount of time you can donate. We ask that you offer at least a 4 day getaway.

Can I donate only off-peak weeks?

The owner has complete control over which weeks/days are available.

What about possible damages?

During the stay a guest is at your property each vacation homeowner should treat them as they would a renter. Require the guest to pay a standard security deposit.

What is your pet and smoking policy?

Owners can mandate their rules. We typically say No Pets and No Smoking unless otherwise noted.

Who pays for cleaning and administration fees?

This can happen in the following ways, which is determined by the homeowner.

  1. The homeowner pays the fees
  2. The charity pays for the cleaning (which is taken out of the winning/minimum bid)
  3. The item buyer pays the cleaning fee (will be listed in the item description) - not preferred

How do approve or find charities?

Most of our participating charities and non-profits come through recommendations from owners, board members or others close to the organization.  As we grow we will use resources such as GuideStar, CharityWatch and other resources that validate recipients.

Why use the VacationHomesForCharity program?

It’s easy, it’s flexible, and it’s streamlined.  We know homeowners get asked by charities and organizations all the time to donate.  Now you can send them to us and we will screen them, work with them and create all the marketing materials.  You set your fees and we will work the charities.  Now giving a week is easy.

What do others say about donating?

Christine Karpinski, a well known vacation home by owner author, has written her thoughts on the pros and cons of donating on the HomeAway Owners Community.   In summary:

Pros

  • Potential of gaining a customer for life
  • Promotion at the charity event
  • You set the blackout dates, etc.

Cons

  • Talk to your accountant and review the IRS publication on charitiable contributions before writing off a donation
  • Donated time might be classified as personal use which can have implications for properties that are income properties
  • It takes time and effort to get guests in
  • Risks associated with the guests coming

These are all very valid cons.  VacationHomesForCharity.org has been designed to help mitiagte the risks and pitfalls of donating which include several benefits including getting money for your donation, flexible terms, and automated marketing materials for each donation.